In N.H., Eric Swalwell Says Not Everyone is Benefiting From a Strong U.S Economy

Eric Swalwell (D-Calif.) spoke at the New Hampshire Institute of Politics 'Politics and Eggs' on Monday.

Robert Garrova

Democratic congressman Eric Swalwell of California is the latest in a series of potential Democratic presidential candidates to visit New Hampshire.

Speaking at St. Anselm College's Politics and Eggs yesterday, Swalwell's main focus was the economy. Namely that its booming on several measures, but, "That's not the economy,” he said. “The economy is you. How you're doing. Whether you have enough to save to buy a home. Whether you can survive a thousand dollar unexpected emergency."

A 38-year-old law school graduate who says he’s still in debt to the tune of $100,000, Swalwell envisions a volunteer service program to help students pay off their education.

David Chairez, a freshman at New England College, said he liked that idea.

"I feel like giving that opportunity will help future kids down the line who struggle economically,” said Chairez. “It will give them an opportunity to go to college and really succeed and thrive in it."

Student loans financed by the federal government should be interest free, Swalwell said.

He said he’d like to see a public health care option and touted his support of enhanced background checks for gun sales.

Swalwell added he's considering a run for president, but hasn't made a final decision yet.

Minnesota Sen. Amy Klobuchar brought her campaign for the Democratic presidential nomination to New Hampshire this past weekend, where she stressed the need to address issues ranging from economic inequality to health care and climate change.

Sen. Cory Booker is among several Democratic presidential contenders who back universal health insurance coverage, but he's acknowledging that compromise may be necessary to get major health care legislation through the Senate.

Booker told voters in New Hampshire on Saturday there are a "lot of pathways" to achieving the increasingly popular Democratic goal. He said supporters of so-called Medicare for All are "going to have to find ways to advance the ball given the Congress that we have."